Paisley's Love Letter

We said our final goodbyes to our tiny angel early Thursday morning, 3 days after Christmas. From her earliest moments on Earth Paisley had been fighting, and she continued to, even to her last breath. A virus attacked her fragile body, and we truly understood how vulnerable she was. We watched a virus that caused the common cold in a healthy child absolutely derail her progress in a matter of days. 

Paisley's middle name is so fitting, because she endured everything with such grace. If you were able to meet Paisley in person then you know that simply looking at her instantly inspired faith, gratitude, and love. A squeeze of her hand caused a palpable flutter in your heart, and you felt honored to know her, and walked out of the ICU feeling changed. Paul and I watched this happen over and over again. 

 Paisley's life forever changed our family. She gave us so many gifts that it would be impossible to describe them all. One such gift was the ability to recognize and soak in the daily moments we have with our children - to see opportunity instead of boredom, impatience, or frustration. All we see now is an opportunity to love. Paul said it best when he said that Paisley showed us how to relearn love.

When we think about our tiny saint in heaven with a new perfect body we are brought to tears. A friend dreamed that she was taken to heaven by a host of angels. Still, selfishly, we want her with us, to hold her tiny body, kiss her cheeks and toes like we have every day since she was born. This is the battle you are left to fight when you lose someone you love. Paisley will forever be the grace that keeps our family together and fighting to someday be as close to God's heart as she is; one day we will meet again and thank her for her suffering. The suffering that lead us and many to the heart of Christ.

We want to thank everyone who prayed for Paisley, who sent us a thoughtful card or gift, supported us financially or with your time, who provided love and encouragement, and anyone who loved our baby girl. She was impossible not to love, she almost demanded it in the most gentle way. We are so thankful for the time we had with Paisley, for the gifts she gave us, and for the love she inspired throughout our world. Her body was not of this Earth, but we know that her soul was divine.

Thank you Paisley, for the beautiful love letter to the world. We wish it was longer, but we know you are smiling now from heaven because you fulfilled your purpose perfectly. The pain and suffering of your tiny body will forever be the source of much healing. We promise to honor you with every choice, every relationship and every minute for the rest of our lives. 

 We love you always and forever our sweet baby girl.